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Researchers have long known that emotions are connected to a range of physiological³ changes, from nervous job candidates' sweaty palms to the racing⁴ pulse that results from hearing a strange noise at night. But new research reveals that emotional states are universally associated with certain bodily sensations, regardless of individuals' culture or language.

 

More than 700 participants in Finland, Sweden and Taiwan participated in experiments aimed at mapping their bodily sensations in connection with specific emotions. Participants viewed emotion-laden words, videos, facial expressions and stories. They then self-reported areas of their bodies that felt different than before they'd viewed the material. By coloring in two computer-generated silhouettes⁵ -- one to note areas of increased bodily sensation and the second to mark areas of decreased sensation -- participants were able to provide researchers with a broad base of data showing both positive and negative bodily responses to different emotions.

 

Researchers found statistically⁶ discrete⁷ areas for each emotion tested, such as happiness, contempt and love, that were consistent regardless of respondents' nationality. Afterward⁸, researchers applied⁹ controls to reduce the risk that participants may have been biased¹⁰ by sensation-specific phrases common to many languages (such as the English "cold feet" as a metaphor¹¹ for fear, reluctance¹² or hesitation). The results are published today in theProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

 

Although each emotion produced a specific map of bodily sensation, researchers did identify some areas of overlap¹³. Basic emotions, such as anger and fear, caused an increase in sensation in the upper chest area, likely corresponding to increases in pulse and respiration¹⁴ rate. Happiness was the only emotion tested that increased sensation all over the body.

 

The findings enhance researchers' understanding of how we process emotions. Despite differences in culture and language, it appears our physical experience of feelings is remarkably¹⁵ consistent across different populations.

 

The researchers believe that further development of these bodily sensation maps may one day result in a new way of identifying and treating emotional disorders¹⁶.

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